Method and apparatus for cleaning and plating articles within a plurality of rotating barrels

ABSTRACT

A cleaning and plating method and apparatus comprising a plurality of tank assemblies arranged in series through which a batch of articles to be cleaned and plated is moved successively. Each tank assembly comprises a tank containing liquid treating or plating material. A barrel is at least partly submerged in each tank and is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The ends of the barrel are open and the barrel is formed with baffles on the interior thereof. When the barrel is rotated in one direction, the articles are agitated through the liquid and when the barrel is rotated in the other direction, the articles are elevated and deposited on a chute for transfer to the next succeeding tank assembly. Provision is made for supplying electrical power to some of the assemblies in order to plate the article. Novel barrel means are provided for minimizing drainage problems. Further, a novel chute system and barrel support system are included. Finally, a novel recirculating system for short-term treatment is provided.

United States Patent McInnes METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING ANDPLATING ARTICLES WITHIN A PLURALITY OF ROTATING BARRELS Inventor: RobertMclnnes, Flint, Mich.

Assignees: Harry P. Bowman; Clifford J.

Millhouse; Russell E. Bowers, all of Flint, Mich. part interest to eachFiled: Aug. 29, 1973 Appl. N0.: 392,479

Related U.S. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 252,313, May 10,1972, Pat. No. 3,855,107, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.89,409, Nov. 13, 1970, abandoned.

U.S. Cl 134/25 R; 134/33; 134/134; 134/159 Int. Cl. B0813 3/04 Field ofSearch 204/201, 213, 214; 134/78, 134/79, 134, 10, 23, 25 R, 33, 34, 66,69,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS OlR APPLICATIONS668,396 3/1952 United Kingdom 204/213 Primary Examiner-S. Leon BashoreAssistant Examine rRichard V. Fisher Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Barnes,Kisselle, Raisch & Choate [57] ABSTRA'CT A cleaning and plating methodand apparatus comprising a plurality of tank assemblies arranged inseries through which a batch of articles to be cleaned and plated ismoved successively. Each tank assembly comprises a tank containingliquid treating or plating material. A barrel is at least partlysubmerged in each tank and is rotated about its longitudinal axis. Theends of the barrel are open and the barrel is formed with baffles on theinterior thereof. When the barrel is rotated in one direction, thearticles are agitated through the liquid and when the barrel is rotatedin the other direction, the articles are elevated and deposited on achute for transfer to the next succeeding tank assembly. Provision ismade for supplying electrical power to some of the assemblies in orderto plate the article. Novel barrel means are provided for minimizingdrainage problems. Further, a novel chute system and barrel supportsystem are included. Finally, a novel recirculating system forshort-term treatment is provided.

53 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet20f93,926,666

m WM WM ESQ US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet30f9 3,926,666

US. Patent Dec. 16,1975 Sheet40f9 3,926,666

Sheet 5 of 9 U.S. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 US. Patent Dec. 16,1975 Sheet60f93,926,666

US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet 7 0f 9 US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet 8of9 3,926,666

M. 3 0 I/ ll o 4 O Q h 3 "W 4 m 0 a n z a o 0 h 4 V 5 .u\ G o 4 mm m w aW M a 6 a 6 w, W 6 MW\ Q m w a G 0 7 I F m 6 U.S. Patent Dec. 16, 1975Sheet 9 of 9 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PLATING ARTICLESWITHIN A PLURALITY OF ROTATING BARRELS This is a division of applicationSer. No. 252,3 l3 filed May 10, 1972, now US. Pat. No. 3,855,107, whichin turn is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 89,409, filedNov. 13, 1970, entitled Cleaning and Plating Apparatus, now abandoned.

This invention relates to the cleaning and plating of articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In common types of plating equipmentpresently utilized commercially, baskets or barrels aremovedsuccessively through various cleaning and plating solutions. Thecapacity of such equipment is dependent upon the initial construction ofthe apparatus and it is difficult, if not impossible, to expand the sizeof the equipment without substantial modification or reconstruction.

In the aforementioned application Ser. No. 89,409, there is shown acleaning and plating method and apparatus comprising a plurality of tankassemblies arranged in series through which a batch of articles to becleaned and plated is moved successively. Each tank assembly comprises atank containing liquid treating or plating material. A barrel is atleast partly submerged in each tank and is rotated about itslongitudinal axis. The ends of the barrel are open and the barrel isformed with baffles on the interior thereof. When the barrel is rotatedin one direction, the articles are agitated through the liquid and whenthe barrel is rotated in the other direction, the articles are elevatedand deposited on a chute for transfer to the next succeeding tankassembly.

Among the objects of this invention are to provide an improved barrelsystem, chute system, support system for the barrel, and recirculatingsystem for short-term plating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention there isprovided a cleaning and plating method and apparatus comprising aplurality of tank assemblies arranged in series through which a batch ofarticles to be cleaned and plated is moved successively. Each tankassembly comprises a tank containing liquid treating or platingmaterial. A barrel is at least partly submerged in each tank and isrotated about its longitudinal axis. The ends of the barrel are open andthe barrel is formed with baffles on the interior thereof. When thebarrel is rotated in one direction, the articles are agitated throughthe liquid and when the barrel is rotated in the other direction, thearticles are elevated and deposited on a chute for transfer to the nextsucceeding tank assembly. Provision is made for supplying electricalpower to some of the assemblies in order to plate the article. Novelbarrel means are provided for minimizing drainage problems. Further, anovel chute system, and barrel support system are included. Finally, anovel recirculating system for short-term treatment is provided.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevationalview of a portion of a system embodying the invention.

FIG. 1A is a partly diagrammatic plan view of a cleaning and platingsystem embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary part sectional end view of a portion of thesystem shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 2, partsbeing broken away.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken alongthe line 44 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG.3.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a barrel utilized in the system,parts being broken away.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a part sectional, side elevational view of a portion of thesystem shown in FIG. 1, parts being broken away.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary part sectional plan view of a portion of thesystem shown in FIG. 8, parts being broken away.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary end elevational view of a portion of a modifiedsystem.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a portion of the system shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 1212 inFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary end elevational view of a further modified formof the invention.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary view taken along the line l4-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale of the portion of thestructure shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the structureshown in FIG. 8 showing the parts in a different operative position.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a portion of theapparatus shown in FIG. 16 with parts being broken away.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view through a side wall of a portion of theapparatus shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 19 is a schematic wiring diagram of the wiring system that may beutilized with the invention.

DESCRIPTION The invention generally relates to a cleaning and platingsystem such as that disclosed in the aforementioned application Ser. No.89,409.

Referring to FIGS. 1 1A and 2, the cleaning and plating system embodyingthe invention is shown in connection with zinc plating of articles but,as will be apparent, it can be adapted to other types of plating. Asshown in FIG. 1, the articles to be plated are fed from a meteringhopper periodically in a batch to a first tank assembly 10. The articlesare treated in the tank assembly l0 and then are delivered, as presentlydescribed, to a successive tank assembly 11.

The tank assemblies 10, 11 as well as the other tank assemblies 12 inthe system are of substantially identical construction, as will behereinafter described, except that where electrical power is requiredfor plating, addition] provision is made for the application of suchelecrical power.

After treatment in tank assembly 10, the articles are then fed toanother tank assembly 11 and so on to successive assemblies in order. Bythe arrangement shown, each tank assembly is working or performing afunction on a batch of the articles while the other tank assemblies are.providing their functions on other batches of the articles.

In zinc plating, the successive tank assemblies perform the functionsdesignated, namely, cleaning, electrically cleaning, water treatment orrinsing, acid rinse, reclamation of acid, plating, reclaiming theplating solution, water rinse, dipping for surface treatment, waterrinse, hot water rinse and drain, before passage out of the system.

In the transfer of articles between sucessive assemblies, chutes 3 areprovided as presently indicated.

As discussed above, each tank assembly -12, as well as additional tankassemblies in the system, which are not shown, is substantiallyidentical in construction except for the inclusion or omission of theelectrical components for applying power.

Referring to FIG. 1, each tank assembly 10-12 includes a container ortank 14 which is adapted to hold the treating or plating liquid, as thecase may be. Each tank assembly further includes a barrel 15 that isgenerally cylindrical and includes an outer cylindrical wall 16 andannular flat radial end Walls 17 (FIGS. 6, 7). The barrel 15 is made ofplastic material such as polypropylene and the walls l6, 17 are formedwith holes 18 to permit the ready passage of liquid therethrough.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, each barrel is rotatably supported in itsrespective tank by an arrangement which includes spaced pairs of levers20 that are pivoted alongside the ends of the barrel on shafts 21rotatably mounted on brackets 22 intermediate the ends of the levers 20.Opposed levers 20 rotatably support rubber faced drive rollers 23 at oneend and idler rollers 24 at the other, the drive and idler rollers oneach lever 20 engaging the drum at circumferentially spaced points. Thedrive rollers 23 are driven by sprockets 24 on the shafts 25 of thedrive rollers 23 which extend between opposed levers 20. An endlesschain 26 is trained so that the drive rollers are driven simultaneously.Another sprocket 27 on one of the shafts 25 is driven by a motor Mmounted on an extension 28 of the lever arm 20a so that the motor M isexteriorly of the tank in order to avoid contamination of the tank fromliquid and other matter as the motor operates. Each arm 20 is adapted toengage an adjustable stop 30 on the tank.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the barrel 15, as hereto fore described,comprises cylindrical outer wall 16 and spaced radial walls 17 ofplastic material such as polypropylene each of which is provided with aplurality of openings 18 therethrough. The walls are welded to oneanother to form a unitary structure. Baffles 31 also made of plasticmaterial extend transversely between the spaced radial walls 17. Theoutermost portions of the baffles 31 are provided with holes 32therethrough to minimize the tendency for liquid to collect and betrapped so that the liquid will not be transferred from one tank to theother during rotation of the barrel thereby obviating contamination ofthe liquid of one tank with that of the other. In addition, an annularmember 33 is mounted at the juncture of the inner surfaces of the wall17 and wall 18. These walls 33 are also made of plastic material. Walls33 include inner annular surfaces 34 that taper radially inwardly awayfrom the center of the drum and function to keep the parts from lodgingbetween the chute and the walls of the barrel.

Further, each barrel is provided with axially extending portions 36along the inner periphery defining the openings and an annular bead 36ais provided on the outer surface thereof to cause liquid draining alongthe inner surface of the radial walls 17 to be directed downwardlytoward the liquid in the tank. An annular bead 36b is provided on theouter surface of radial walls 17 adjacent the next successive tank toprevent liquid on said outer surface from passing downwardly onto theelectrical connections below.

Each barrel includes a plurality of baffles 31 that extend at an acuteangle A with respect to the inner surface of wall 16, the angle Aranging between degrees and 55 degrees, and being preferably Whereelectrical power is required to be applied to the liquid in order toperform a plating function, a metal plate 37 is provided on preferablyall the baffles so that as the barrel rotates, at least three metalplates 37 are within the liquid at all times. Each baffle plate 37comprises electrically conductive plate such as titanium or the likewhich includes a flange 38 engaging the inner periphery of each baffle.Each plate 37 is positioned in a recess 39 in the baffle 31 so that thesurface of plate 37 is flush with the exposed surface of baffle 31.Adjacent pairs of bafiles 37 are electrically interconnected by arcuatemetal portions 41 and radial copper members 42 extend, covered by alayer of plastic 42a (FIG. 18), to brackets 4212 which are electricallyconnected thereto and extend axially to an external collector ring 43through which an electrical or cathode connection is made to the platingsolution. An electrical connection is made to the ring or bus bar 43 bya spring loaded brush member 44 which engages the bus bar 43. As shownin FIGS. 6 and 15, brush 44 is mounted on the ends of arms 45 which arein turn pivoted to arms 46, 47. The arms 46 are pivoted to a lever 47that is maintained in adjustable angular position on the tank by aturnbuckle 48. A spring 49 extends between the pivots of the arms 45, 46to one another to yieldingly urge the brush member 44 against the outerperiphery of the bus bar 43. In this manner, the brush member 44 ismaintained in contact with the bus bar 43but is spaced vertically abovethe tank to minimize any tendency of the liquid to contact theelectrical parts. Electrical current is supplied to the brush 44.

Referring to FIG. 2, the anode for plating is provided by an anoderetainer in the form of a helical coil spring 50 in which the anodeballs 51 are placed. A bracket 52 holds spring 50in an arcuateconfiguration. A stop 52a on bracket 52 closes one end of the spring 50and engages transverse bars 53 in the tank while a bracket arm 54 hooksover an electrical bar 55 for providing the other electrical lead asneeded. In this manner, a large anode area is provided in closeproximity to the periphery of the barrel. A handle 56 on bracket 50facilitates removal and replacement.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, each chute 13 comprises sections or portions60, 61 pivoted to one another. Portion forms a greater angle with thehorizontal than portion 61. The chute 13 further flares from a widetransverse section 62 adjacent the upper end within the tank to a narrowsection 63 at the adjacent tank to which the parts are fed (FIG. 9). Inaddition, the chute includes flared portions 64 at its upper end withinthe tank as shown in FIG. 9 which extend upwardly and forwardly toassist in collecting the parts and directing them downwardly during thetransfer when the barrel rotation is reversed.

The chute section 60 includes a pivoted portion 65 that has V-shapeddrain slots 66 therein. Chute portion 65 is normally positioned in thebroken line position exposing opening 66a so that parts will be returnedto the barrel and be prevented from passing to the adjacent barrel whenthe barrel is rotated in the normal running direction. A secondary wallor scoope 66a is provided beneath slots 66 and tapers downwardly andinwardly to guide the liquid passing through slots 66 to the interior ofbarrel 15. The exterior or lower surface of chutes 13 is coated with aplastisol which functions to reduce noise while the upper surface isuncoated to facilitate movement of the articles being treated. Thesection is pivotable by a linkage including a cylinder 67 which actsthrough a lever 68 fixed to chute portion 65.

Where electrical current is not supplied to the tank assembly, eachchute 13 is supported by a bracket 600 on the tank as shown in FIGS. 1aand 8. Where electrical current is supplied to the tank assembly, spacedbrackets 60d and 602 are utilized in order to accommodate the electricalbus bar 43.

A curtain 60f of resilient plastic material is fixed at its upper end tothe chute and extends downwardly into contact with the chute. Thecurtain 60f has vertical reinforcing ribs 60g which provide sufficientforce to prevent articles being treated from bouncing out of the chuteduring normal rotation but insufficient to prevent the parts from movingdown the chute during transfer. To prevent the articles frominadvertently bouncing out of the chute during transfer an arcuate cover60h is mounted on the chute.

Where the parts are only to be subjected to a liquid treatment for ashort period of time less than that to which the parts are treated inother tanks of the system, the modified tank assembly shown in FIGS. -12may be used which is substantially identical to other tank assembliesexcept that wherein a pump 70 exteriorly of the tank 14 functionsthrough pipes 71, 72 to feed the liquid for any prescribed period toboth ends of transverse or axial pipe 73 provided with nozzles 74 whichdirect the liquid downwardly onto the parts. The functioning of the pump70 may be timed to any lesser time less than the total time that theparts are in the drum. In this form, the liquid level in the tank isbelow the lower end of the barrel.

Where the parts being treated are intricate or very small, as in thecase of small screws, in order to prevent the parts from collecting inany corner and the like, provision is made for vibrating the barrel whenthe barrel is rotated to deliver the parts to the next drum. As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, this includes a spring arm 75 pivoted to the tank atone end and having rollers 76 frictionally engaging the periphery of thebarrel. A vibrator 77 is provided on the arm and vibrates during thisrotation of the barrel to vibrate the drum.

Operation In operation, conveyor 1 1 is actuated to feed articles tometering hopper 12. The metering hopper in turn periodically feeds abatch of articles to the first tank assembly 13. The tank assembly isthen rotated for a predetermined period of time in one direction totreat the articles and then the rotation is reversed to elevate and feedthe articles to the next successive tank assembly 14. The tank assembly14 then rotates to treat the articles. After tank assembly 13 isdelivering the articles to tank assembly 14, a new batch of articles isdelivered to the tank assembly 13. In this fashion after a predeterminedinterval of time corresponding to the number of tank assemblies, eachtank assembly is either treating articles or delivering articles to thenext successive tank assembly.

The number of tank assemblies for any particular operation, that is anyparticular treatment, depends upon the amount of time required for thattreatment. Thus, a tank assembly is provided for the shortest neededtreatment. Then if there is another treatment that requires a greaterlength of time, that particular treatment utilizes two or more tankassemblies so that a portion of the treatment occurs during one cycle ofthe tank and another portion of the treatment occurs in the other tanks.

The operation of the control circuitry is more completely described inthe aforementioned application Ser. No. 89,409 but may be brieflysummarized as follows: A forward master timer and a reverse master timerare associated with tank assembly 13 and control respectively theforward and reverse rotation of the barrel of tank assembly 13 (thefirst barrel). A timer is associated with the barrel of each subsequenttank assembly and is electrically interlocked with the barrels of theimmediately preceding and succeeding tank assemblies. The forward mastertimer controls the operation of the first barrel in the forwarddirection for a preselected forward cycle time after which the reversemaster timer controls the operation of the barrel in reverse for apreselected reverse cycle time. Such a forward-reverse cycle isautomatically repeated for each batch of articles. As soon as the firstbarrel goes into reverse, the timer for the barrel of tank assembly 14(the second barrel) is initiated through an electrical interlock whichruns the second barrel forward for a preselected time and then inreverse. (When the second barrel goes into reverse, it starts the timerfor the barrel of tank assembly 15. This same interlocking arrangementis repeated between succeeding barrels). The combined forward andreverse cycle times of each barrel are identical. Because the forwardcycle times of each barrel subsequent to the first are onlyapproximately equal, the reverse cycle time compensates for thedifierences between them since a barrel continues to run in reverseuntil its forward cycle is initiated by the preceding barrel going intoreverse. Thus, if the forward cycle time of the second barrel is greaterthan the forward cycle time of the third barrel, the reverse cycle timeof the third barrel is correspondingly greater than the reverse cycletime of the second barrel. The cycle times are so adjusted that thereverse cycle of the barrel having the shortest reverse cycle of all issufficiently long to discharge the batch of articles therefrom. Withthis background the detailed operation of the control circuitry is nowdescribed.

During normal cleaning or plating, the barrel of each drum rotates in aclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6 to cause a tumbling andagitation of the parts. During this operation, the pivoted portion 65 isin the down or broken line position (FIG. 8). Any parts that mayinadvertently be delivered to the chute 60 are returned back through theopening in the chute to the tank by the pivoted portion 65. Further, anyliquid delivered to the chute 60 inadvertently will be directed throughthe opening provided by the downward position of the portion 65 awayfrom the chute to the interior of the tank.

The annular beads 36a function to minimize any tendency of the liquid onthe interior surfaces on the wall 17 to pass out of the openings at thecenter thereof. Further, the annular bead 36b prevents liquid fromcontacting the bus bar.

In the barrels where electrical circuit is required, the desired currentis provided by the plates 37. The arrangement of the plates andassociated conductive plates at 41, 42 recessed in corresponding groovesprovides for a smooth surface on the interior of the barrel as well ason the baffles 31. The tapered surface 34 prevents parts from collectingat the comers and thereby minimizes the tendency of any parts beinglodged between the chute and the barrel. The openings 39 in the baffles31 also facilitate the elimination of liquid collection. Curtain 60fprevents any parts from bouncing off the chute and out of the barrel.

When each barrel is reversed, the baffles 31 function to elevate theparts and deliver them to the upper end of the chute. Since the upperend of each chute is flared as at 64, the delivery of the parts isfacilitated. During the discharge, the pivoted portion 65 is in theupper or solid line position shown in FIG. 8, to guide the parts to thenext barrel. Slots 66 permit liquid to drain through the slots to thesecondary scoop 66a back into the tank so that liquid is not carriedover. The coating of the underside of the chute sections minimizes thenoise incident to transfer of the parts between tank assemblies.

The use of the anode holders provides anodes in close conformity to thebarrel and, in turn, the parts and facilitates the replacement of theanodes. The novel drive mechanism assures proper drive without exposingthe motor to the liquid contents of the tank.

By making the entire barrel of plastic, a sturdy, lightweight,long-lived construction is achieved.

It can thus be seen that a system has been provided whereinsubstantially identical assemblies, with appropriate modifications, areused for each of the successive stations of the system.

conventional power (1 volts, 60 cycles) is supplied to the controlcircuitry by lines 100 and 102. The operating mode is rendered eitherautomtic or manual by means of selector switches 104, 104a, 104b, 1046and is hereinafter described with reference to the automatic mode. Inorder to initiate operation, start switch 106 is depressed to therebylatch a relay 107 in the usual manner. The actuation of relay 107 allowspower to be supplied to the rest of the control circuitry throughcontacts 108 and 110. Contacts 112 are provided in series with contacts108 to disable the control circuitry should one of the barrel motorsbecome overloaded.

A relay 114 operates drive motor 42 of conveyor 11 until contacts 116are opened by level sensing element 41 to indicate that hopper 12 isfull. Next, contacts 120 of sensing element 41 close to thereby latch arelay 121. The actuation of relay 121 closes contacts 122 so that poweris supplied through normally closed contacts 124 to start a forwardmaster timer 126.

Forward master timer 126 opens and closes a plurality of contacts 128,130, 132, 134 and 136 in timed relationship. Normally open contacts 128and 130 close immediately upon initiation of timer 126. Normally closedcontacts 132 and 136 open, and normally open contacts 134 close whentimer 126 completes itss timing cycle. After timer 126 times out, itcannot be recycled until it is reset by removing the supply current toit.

The closure of contacts 128 actuates a timing relay 138 which in turnoperates a solenoid valve 140 through contacs 141 for a time intervalsufficient to discharge the first batch of articles from hopper 12 intobarrel 46 of tank assembly 13 by means of the arrangement previouslydescribed. The closure of contacts picks up a relay 142 which startsmotor 52 of the first barrel (the first motor) in the forward direction.

The first barrel continues to run forward until the opening of contacts136 terminates the forward cycle of timer 126. Concurrently, contacts132 open to turn off the first motor, and contacts 134 close to start adwell timer 144 and to energize a relay 150. Relay resets timer 174 ofthe second barrel through contacts 149. After the dwell of timer 144,which affords the first motor sufficient time to come to a stop,contacts 146 and 148 operate to respectively release relay 150 and tostart a reverse master timer 151.

Reverse master timer 151 is similar to forward master timer 126 in thatit controls a plurality of timed contacts 152, 154, 156, 158 and 160.Normally open contacts 152, 154 close immediately upon the initiation oftimer 151. Normally closed contacts 156 and 158 open and normally opencontacts 160 close when timer 151 times out.

The closures of contacts 152 and 154 energize relays 162 and 164. Relay162 starts the first barrel in reverse while relay 164 resets forwardmaster timer 126 by means of contacts 124. (The feed to timer 151 ismaintained through contacts 152 with contacts 166 being provided toprevent feedback to contacts 134 and timer 144.)

The first barrel continues in reverse until the opening of contacts 156terminates the reverse cycle of timer 151. The concurrent opening ofcontacts 158 turns off the first motor, and closure of contacts 160starts a dwell timer 168 which by opening contacts 170 after the dwell,resets timer 151 and starts the next forward cycle of the first barrelby releasing relay 164 to close contacts 124.

The energization of relay 162 also closes contacts 172 to thereby bothinitiate timer 174 and start motor 52 of the second barrel (the secondmotor) in the forward direction so that the second barrel can receivethe articles being discharged from the reverse-running first barrel.Timer 174 controls a plurality of timed contacts 176, 178, and 182,while the forward rotation of the second motor is controlled by a relay184. Contacts 176 close concurrently with the start of timer 174 whilecontacts 178, 180 and 182 are actuated when timer 174 times out Contacts176 maintain power to timer 174 after contacts 172 drop out, and thesecond barrel continues to run forward until the opening of contacts 178tenninates the cycle of timer 174. Simultaneous with the cycletermination, contacts 180 open to turn off the second motor, andcontacts 182 close to pick up a dwell timer 186. After the dwell oftimer 186, which affords the second motor sufficient time to come torest, contacts 188 close to pick up relay 190 which runs the secondmotor in reverse so that it can discharge its articles. The secondbarrel continues in reverse until the first barrel completes its nextforward cycle. Relay 194 controls contacts (not shown) which areinterlocked with the control circuitry for the third barrel.

Thus, there has been described control circuitry for operating the firsttwo barrels of the plating apparatus. The forward and reverse mastertimers establish the operating cycle of the first barrel with each ofthe succeeding barrels in the apparatus being slaved to its precedingbarrel. The portion of FIG. 17 below line AA is duplicated for eachbarrel subsequent to the second barrel, with the electrical interlocksbeing arranged in similar fashion with the immediately preceding andsucceeding barrels. The repetitive fowardreverse cycles of the firstbarrel sequentially propagate through the entire apparatus so thateventually each barrel is running either forward to receive and processarticles or reverse to discharge articles.

I claim:

1. The method of cleaning and plating articles which comprises providinga plurality of separate substantially identical containers adapted tocontain liquid treating material,

providing a barrel in partially submerged relation to the liquid in eachsaid container,

supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontalaxis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in the liquid in itsrespective container, each said barrel having both ends open and havinga plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof,

rotating each barrel for a predetermined interval of time individual tosaid barrel in one direction such that the baffles agitate the articles,

thereafter rotating each said barrel in the opposite direction to causesaid baffles to elevate the articles and permit them to fall solely bygravity freely downwardly,

and providing a fixed guide path from the interior of one said barrel tothe interior of a successive barrel for receiving the articles fallingby gravity and thereby guiding the articles as they move solely bygravity during the rotation of said barrel in said opposite directioninto the succeeding barrel.

2. The method set forth in claim 1 including the step of controlling therotation of a succeeding barrel such that the succeeding barrel isrotated in one direction when the articles are transferred thereto fromthe preceding barrel.

3. The method set forth in claim 1 including the step of controlling theoperation of said first-mentioned barrel such that rotation thereof inthe other direction for transfer of the articles is prevented unless thesucceeding barrel has transferred the articles therefrom to the nextsucceeding barrel.

4. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combinationcomprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treatmentmaterial,

a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each saidcontainer,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an openingtherethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel,

each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner peripherythereof extending axially between the barrels,

said bafiles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acuteangle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrelis rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and whensaid barrel is rotated in the opposite direc- 10 tion, said baffleselevate the articles and then cause them to drop,

the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the openingin the end walls,

and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacentone end wall through the other end Wall to the interior of thesucceeding barrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the bafflesby gravity to the succeeding barrel,

means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independentlyof said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and asecond portion,

said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with thehorizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeedingbarrel,

the inclination of said portions of said chute being such that saidarticles are guided from one said barrel to the'succeeding barrel solelyby gravity.

5. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combinationcomprising a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged inliquid,

said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid,

said barrel being .open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinalaxis,

said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner peripherythereof,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acuteangle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrelis rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and whensaid barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevatethe articles and then cause them to drop,

and means for vibrating said barrel during rotation thereof,

said last-mentioned means comprising a member movably mounted exteriorlyof said barrel and adapted to frictionally engage said barrel and avibrator on said member.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said member is elastic.

7. The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said member comprises aspring member.

8. The combination set forth in claim 5 including anti-friction meansbetween said member and said barrel.

9. The combination set forth in claim 8 wherein said anti-friction meanscomprises a roller engaging the periphery of said barrel.

10. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combinationcomprising a container adapted to contain liquid treating material,

a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in eachsaid container,

said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container,

said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinalaxis,

said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner peripherythereof,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acuteangle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrelis rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and whensaid barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevatethe articles and then cause them to drop,

and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to theinterior of the other to guide the articles dropped by the baffles tothe succeeding barrel,

said means for supporting said barrel comprises spaced pairs of levers,

each said lever being pivoted at a point on said container intermediatethe opening and the periphery of said drum,

anti-friction means on the ends of each said lever engaging theperiphery of the drum at spaced points on the drum,

and means for driving at least one of said anti-friction means of eachsaid lever.

11. The combination set forth in claim wherein said last-mentioned meanscomprises a motor mounted on one of said levers beyond the confines ofsaid tank and means extending between said motor and one of saidanti-friction means.

12. The combination set forth in claim 10 wherein said drive meansincludes endless means extending between said driven rollers,

and idler roller means engaging both reaches of said endless means.

13. The combination set forth in claim 12 wherein said idler rollermeans comprises a lever pivoted intermediate its ends and idler pulleysengaging said reaches of said endless means.

14. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combinationcomprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treatingmaterial,

a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in eachsaid container,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent thelongitudinal axis, each said barrel having a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acuteangle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrelis rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and whensaid barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevatethe articles and then cause them to drop,

and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to theinterior of the other to guide articles dropped by the baffles to thesucceeding barrel,

each said chute including a portion thereof adjacent said openings whichis pivotal out of the plane of said chute during normal operation topermit parts to be directed back into the barrel.

15. The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein 16. The combinationset forth in claim 15 including a fixed secondary scoop beneath saidopenings for directing liquid back into said barrel.

'17. The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein said openings aregenerally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the partsalong said chute.

18. The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein said chute has acoating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deaden the noise ofparts falling thereon.

19. The combination set forth in claim 18 wherein the upper surface ofsaid chute comprises uncoated metal.

20. The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein the upper end of saidchute flares outwardly within said barrel in the direction of travel ofsaid parts when they are discharged to a dimension greater than thediameter of said openings.

21. The combination set forth in claim 14 including a flexible curtainextending downwardly within said barrel into contact with said chute forpreventing articles from inadvertently passing out of said chute duringnormal operation.

22. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles,

the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to containliquid treating material,

a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in eachsaid container,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent thelongitudinal axis,

each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced bafileson the inner periphery thereof,

said baffles extending generallyradially inwardly and forming an acuteangle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrelis rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and whensaid barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevatethe articles and then cause them to drop,

chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to theinterior of a successive barrel to guide articles dropped by the bafflesto the succeeding barrel, and

each said barrel comprising an outer cylindrical plastic wall,

spaced radial plastic walls extending from said openings to said outerwall.

23. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles,

the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to containliquid treatment material,

a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each saidcontainer,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an openingtherethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel,

each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner peripherythereof extending axially between the barrels,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acuteangle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrelis rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and whensaid barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevatethe articles and then cause them to drop,

the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the openingin the end walls,

chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent oneend wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeedingbarrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravityto the succeeding barrel,

means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independentlyof said barrels,

each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion,

said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with thehorizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeedingbarrel,

said chute having a coating on the exterior surface thereof serving todeaden the noise of articles falling thereon, the upper surface of saidchute comprising uncoated metal.

24. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles,

the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to containliquid treatment material,

a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each saidcontainer,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an openingtherethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel,

each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner peripherythereof extending axially between the barrels,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acuteangle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrelis rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and whensaid barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevatethe articles and then cause them to drop,

the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the openingin the end walls,

chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent oneend wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeedingbarrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravityto tha succeeding barrel,

means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independentlyof said barrels,

each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion,

said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with thehorizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeedingbarrel,

a flexible curtain extending downwardly within said barrel into contactwith said chute for preventing articles from inadvertently passing outof said chute during normal operation.

25. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles,

the combination comprising a plurality of container adapted to containliquid treatment material,

a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each saidcontainer,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,,

means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an openingtherethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel,

each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner peripherythereof extending axially between the barrels,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acuteangle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrelis rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and whensaid barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevatethe articles and then cause them to drop,

the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the openingin the end walls,

chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent oneend wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeedingbarrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravityto the succeeding barrel,

means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independentlyof said barrels,

each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion,

said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with thehorizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeedingbarrel,

said chute including a portion thereof adjacent said openings which ispivotal out of the plane of said chute during transfer of articles topermit articles to be directed back into the barrel.

26. The combination set forth in claim 25 wherein 27. The combinationset forth in claim 26 including a fixed secondary scoop beneath saidopenings for directing liquid back into said barrel.

28. The combination set forth in claim 26 wherein said openings aregenerally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of thearticles along said chute.

29. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles,

the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to containliquid treating material,

a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in eachsaid container,

each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,

means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container,

each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent thelongitudinal axis, each said barrel having a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof,

said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acuteangle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrelis rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and whensaid barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevatethe articles and then cause them to drop,

and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to theinterior of a successive barrel to guide articles dropped by the bafflesto the succeeding barrel,

each said barrel comprising an outer cylindrical plastic wall,

spaced radial plastic walls extending from said openings to said outerwall,

annularly extending surfaces on the interior surfaces ofthe radial wallsadjacent the juncture of the radial walls and the outer wall divergingadjacent said openings axially outwardly from the interior of saidspaced walls.

30. The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein said baffles haveportions thereof adjacent said cylindrical wall with openingstherethrough.

31. The combination set forth in claim 30 wherein said openings compriseholes.

32. The combination set forth in claim 29 including an annularcylindrical wall extending axially inwardly from each said opening,

means forming a bead on the outer periphery of said wall inwardly ofsaid radial wall within said barrel for preventing liquid moving alongthe inner surface of said radial wall toward said opening.

33. The combination set forth in claim 29 including means mountedexteriorly of at least one said container for directing liquid fromadjacent the lower portion of said container to the interior of saidbarrel.

34. The combination set forth in claim 33 wherein said last-mentionedmeans includes an axially extending pipe extending through one saidopening of said barrel.

35. The combination set forth in claim 29 including nozzle means on saidpipe for directing liquid angularly downwardly on parts in said barrel.

36. The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein each said chute meanscomprises a first portion and a second portion,

said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with thehorizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the successivebarrel.

37. the combination set forth in claim 29 wherein said chute includes aportion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the planeof said chute during normal operation to permit articles to be directedback into the barrel.

38. The combination set forth in claim 37 wherein said chute includesopenings in said last-mentioned portion thereof within said barrel topermit liquid that 16 may fall downwardly on the chute to drain intosaid barrel when the parts are being delivered to the next adjacentbarrel.

39. The combination set forth in claim 38 including a fixed secondaryscoop beneath said openings for directing liquid back into said barrel.

40. The combination set forth in claim 38 wherein said openings aregenerally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the partsalong said chute.

41. The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein said chute has acoating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deaden the noise ofparts falling thereon.

42. The combination set forth in claim 41 wherein the upper surface ofsaid chute comprises uncoated metal.

43. The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein the upper end of saidchute flares outwardly within said barrel in the direction of travel ofsaid articles when they are discharged to a dimension greater than thediameter of said opening.

44. The combination set forth in claim 29 including a flexible curtainextending downwardly within said barrel into contact with said chute forpreventing articles from inadvertently passing out of said chute duringnormal operation.

45. The combination set forth in claim 29 including means for vibratingsaid barrel during rotation thereof.

46. The combination set forth in claim 45 wherein said last-mentionedmeans comprises a member movably mounted on said tank and adapted tofrictionally engage said tank and a vibrator on said member.

47. The combination set forth in claim 45 wherein said member comprisesa spring member.

48. The combination set forth in claim 45 including anti-friction meansbetween said member and said barrel.

49. The combination as set forth in claim 48 wherein said anti-frictionmeans comprises a roller engaging the periphery of said barrel.

50. The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein said means forsupporting said barrel comprises spaced pairs of levers,

each said lever being pivoted at a point on said container intermediatethe opening and the periphery of said drum,

anti-friction means on the ends of each said lever engaging theperiphery of the drum at spaced points on the drum,

and means for driving at least one of said anti-friction means of eachsaid lever,

51. The combination set forth in claim 50 wherein said last-mentionedmeans comprises a motor mounted on one of said levers beyond theconfines of said barrel and means extending between said motor and oneof said anti-friction means.

52. The combination set forth in claim 50 wherein said drive meansincludes endless means extending between said driven rollers,

and idler roller means engaging both reaches of said endless means.

53. The combination set forth in claim 52 wherein said idler rollermeans comprises a lever pivoted intermediate its ends and idler pulleysengaging said reaches of said endless means.

1. THE METHOD OF CLEANING AND PLATING ARTICLES WHICH COMPRISES PROVIDINGA PLURALITY OF SEPARATE SUBSTANTIALLY INDENTICAL CONTRAINERS ADAPTED TOCONTAIN LIQUID TREATING MATERIAL, PROVIDING A BARREL IN PARTIALLYSUBMERGED RELATION TO THE LIQUID IN EACH SAID CONTAINER, SUPPORTING EACHSAID BARREL ROTATABLY ABOUT A FIXED GENERALLY HORIZONTAL AXIS SO THAT APORTION OF THE BARREL IS SUBMERGED IN THE LIQUID IN ITS RESPECTIVECONTAINER, EACH SAID BARREL HAVING BOTH ENDS OPEN AND HAVING A PLURALITYOF BAFFLES ON THE INNER PERIPHERY THEREOF,
 2. The method set forth inclaim 1 including the step of controlling the rotation of a succeedingbarrel such that the succeeding barrel is rotated in one direction whenthe articles are transferred thereto from the preceding barrel.
 3. Themethod set forth in claim 1 including the step of controlling theoperation of said first-mentioned barrel such that rotation thereof inthe other direction for transfer of the articles is prevented unless thesucceeding barrel has transferred the articles therefrom to the nextsucceeding barrel.
 4. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles,the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to containliquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged inliquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinalaxis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrelhaving end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethroughextending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrelhaving a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extendingaxially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radiallyinwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of thebarrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, saidbaffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in theopposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then causethem to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edgeof the opening in the end walls, and chute means extending from theinterior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other endwall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide thearticles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel,means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independentlyof said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and asecond portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angleswith the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to thesucceeding barrel, the inclination of said portions of said chute beingsuch that said articles are guided from one said barrel to thesucceeding barrel solely by gravity.
 5. In an apparatus for cleaning andplating articles, the combination comprising a barrel adapted to be atleast partially submerged in liquid, said barrel having a longitudinalaxis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid,said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinalaxis, said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner peripherythereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and formingan acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when thebarrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles,and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffleselevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and means forvibrating said barrel during rotation thereof, said last-mentioned meanscomprising a member movably mounted exteriorly of said barrel andadapted to frictionally engage said barrel and a vibrator on saidmember.
 6. The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said member iselastic.
 7. The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said membercomprises a spring member.
 8. The combination set forth in claim 5including anti-friction means between said member and said barrel. 9.The combination set forth in claim 8 wherein said anti-friction meanscomprises a roller engaging the periphery of said barrel.
 10. In anapparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprisinga container adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barreladapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each saidcontainer, said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supportingsaid barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that aportion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container whenliquid is in the container, said barrel being open at both ends thereofadjacent the longitudinal axis, said barrel having a plurality ofbaffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generallyradially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery ofthe barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, saidbaffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in theopposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then causethEm to drop, and chute means extending from the interior of one saidbarrel to the interior of the other to guide the articles dropped by thebaffles to the succeeding barrel, said means for supporting said barrelcomprises spaced pairs of levers, each said lever being pivoted at apoint on said container intermediate the opening and the periphery ofsaid drum, anti-friction means on the ends of each said lever engagingthe periphery of the drum at spaced points on the drum, and means fordriving at least one of said anti-friction means of each said lever. 11.The combination set forth in claim 10 wherein said last-mentioned meanscomprises a motor mounted on one of said levers beyond the confines ofsaid tank and means extending between said motor and one of saidanti-friction means.
 12. The combination set forth in claim 10 whereinsaid drive means includes endless means extending between said drivenrollers, and idler roller means engaging both reaches of said endlessmeans.
 13. The combination set forth in claim 12 wherein said idlerroller means comprises a lever pivoted intermediate its ends and idlerpulleys engaging said reaches of said endless means.
 14. In an apparatusfor cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising aplurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, abarrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each saidcontainer, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means forsupporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontalaxis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in saidcontainer when liquid is in the container, each said barrel being openat both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, each said barrelhaving a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the innerperiphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardlyand forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel suchthat when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitatethe articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction,said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chutemeans extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior ofthe other to guide articles dropped by the baffles to the succeedingbarrel, each said chute including a portion thereof adjacent saidopenings which is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during normaloperation to permit parts to be directed back into the barrel.
 15. Thecombination set forth in claim 14 wherein said chute includes openingsin said last-mentioned portion thereof within said barrel to permitliquid that may fall downwardly on the chute to drain into said barrelwhen the parts are being delivered to the next adjacent barrel.
 16. Thecombination set forth in claim 15 including a fixed secondary scoopbeneath said openings for directing liquid back into said barrel. 17.The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein said openings aregenerally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the partsalong said chute.
 18. The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein saidchute has a coating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deadenthe noise of parts falling thereon.
 19. The combination set forth inclaim 18 wherein the upper surface of said chute comprises uncoatedmetal.
 20. The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein the upper endof said chute flares outwardly within said barrel in the direction oftravel of said parts when they are discharged to a dimension greaterthan the diameter of said openings.
 21. The combination set forth inclaim 14 including a flexible curtain extending downwardly within saidbarrel into contact with said chute for preventing articles frominadvertently passing out of said chute during normal operation.
 22. Inan apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combinationcomprisiNg a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treatingmaterial, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquidin each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrelbeing open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, eachsaid barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles onthe inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radiallyinwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of thebarrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, saidbaffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in theopposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then causethem to drop, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrelto the interior of a successive barrel to guide articles dropped by thebaffles to the succeeding barrel, and each said barrel comprising anouter cylindrical plastic wall, spaced radial plastic walls extendingfrom said openings to said outer wall.
 23. In an apparatus for cleaningand plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality ofcontainers adapted to contain liquid treatment material, a barreladapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each said container, eachsaid barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrelrotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion ofthe barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is inthe container, each said barrel having end walls, each said end wallhaving an opening therethrough extending along the longitudinal axis ofsaid barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the innerperiphery thereof extending axially between the barrels, said bafflesextending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle withthe inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotatedin one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when saidbarrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate thearticles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of the bafflesbeing spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls, chute meansextending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wallthrough the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel suchas to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to thesucceeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixedrelationship independently of said barrels, each said chute meanscomprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions formingprogressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extendsfrom one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, said chute having acoating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deaden the noise ofarticles falling thereon, the upper surface of said chute comprisinguncoated metal.
 24. In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles,the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to containliquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged inliquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinalaxis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generallyhorizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquidin said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrelhaving end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethroughextending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrelhaving a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extendingaxially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radiallyinwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of thebarrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, saidbaffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in theopposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then causethem to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edgeof the opening in the end walls, chute means extending from the interiorof one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall tothe interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide the articlesdropped by the baffles by gravity to tha succeeding barrel, means formounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of saidbarrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a secondportion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with thehorizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeedingbarrel, a flexible curtain extending downwardly within said barrel intocontact with said chute for preventing articles from inadvertentlypassing out of said chute during normal operation.
 25. In an apparatusfor cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising aplurality of container adapted to contain liquid treatment material, abarrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each saidcontainer, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,, means forsupporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axisso that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said containerwhen liquid is in the container, each said barrel having end walls, eachsaid end wall having an opening therethrough extending along thelongitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrel having a plurality ofbaffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between thebarrels, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and formingan acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when thebarrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles,and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffleselevate the articles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of thebaffles being spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls,chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent oneend wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeedingbarrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravityto the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixedrelationship independently of said barrels, each said chute meanscomprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions formingprogressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extendsfrom one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, said chute including aportion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the planeof said chute during transfer of articles to permit articles to bedirected back into the barrel.
 26. The combination set forth in claim 25wherein said chute includes openings through said last-mentioned portionthereof within said barrel to permit liquid that may fall downwardly onthe chute to drain into said barrel when the articles are beingdelivered out of said barrel.
 27. The combination set forth in claim 26including a fixed secondary scoop beneath said openings for directingliquid back into said barrel.
 28. The combination set forth in claim 26wherein said openings are generally V-shaped and tapered in thedirection of travel of the articles along said chute.
 29. In anapparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprisinga plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, abarrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each saidcontainer, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means forsupporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontalaxis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in saidcontainer when liquid is in the container, each said barrel being openat both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, each said barrelhaving a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the innerperiphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardlyand forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel suchthat when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitatethe articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction,said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chutemeans extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior ofa successive barrel to guide articles dropped by the baffles to thesucceeding barrel, each said barrel comprising an outer cylindricalplastic wall, spaced radial plastic walls extending from said openingsto said outer wall, annularly extending surfaces on the interiorsurfaces of the radial walls adjacent the juncture of the radial wallsand the outer wall diverging adjacent said openings axially outwardlyfrom the interior of said spaced walls.
 30. The combination set forth inclaim 29 wherein said baffles have portions thereof adjacent saidcylindrical wall with openings therethrough.
 31. The combination setforth in claim 30 wherein said openings comprise holes.
 32. Thecombination set forth in claim 29 including an annular cylindrical wallextending axially inwardly from each said opening, means forming a beadon the outer periphery of said wall inwardly of said radial wall withinsaid barrel for preventing liquid moving along the inner surface of saidradial wall toward said opening.
 33. The combination set forth in claim29 including means mounted exteriorly of at least one said container fordirecting liquid from adjacent the lower portion of said container tothe interior of said barrel.
 34. The combination set forth in claim 33wherein said last-mentioned means includes an axially extending pipeextending through one said opening of said barrel.
 35. The combinationset forth in claim 29 including nozzle means on said pipe for directingliquid angularly downwardly on parts in said barrel.
 36. The combinationset forth in claim 29 wherein each said chute means comprises a firstportion and a second portion, said portions forming progressivelydecreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one saidbarrel to the successive barrel.
 37. the combination set forth in claim29 wherein said chute includes a portion thereof adjacent said openingswhich is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during normal operationto permit articles to be directed back into the barrel.
 38. Thecombination set forth in claim 37 wherein said chute includes openingsin said last-mentioned portion thereof within said barrel to permitliquid that may fall downwardly on the chute to drain into said barrelwhen the parts are being delivered to the next adjacent barrel.
 39. Thecombination set forth in claim 38 including a fixed secondary scoopbeneath said openings for directing liquid back into said barrel. 40.The combination set forth in claim 38 wherein said openings aregenerally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the partsalong said chute.
 41. The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein saidchute has a coating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deadenthe noise of parts falling thereon.
 42. The combination set forth inclaim 41 wherein the upper surface of said chute comprises uncoatedmetal.
 43. The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein the upper endof said chute flares outwardly within said barrel in the direction oftravel of said articles when they are discharged to a dimension greaterthan the diameter of said opening.
 44. The combination set forth inclaim 29 including a flexible curtain extending downwardly within saidbarrel into contact with said chute for prevenTing articles frominadvertently passing out of said chute during normal operation.
 45. Thecombination set forth in claim 29 including means for vibrating saidbarrel during rotation thereof.
 46. The combination set forth in claim45 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises a member movably mountedon said tank and adapted to frictionally engage said tank and a vibratoron said member.
 47. The combination set forth in claim 45 wherein saidmember comprises a spring member.
 48. The combination set forth in claim45 including anti-friction means between said member and said barrel.49. The combination as set forth in claim 48 wherein said anti-frictionmeans comprises a roller engaging the periphery of said barrel.
 50. Thecombination set forth in claim 29 wherein said means for supporting saidbarrel comprises spaced pairs of levers, each said lever being pivotedat a point on said container intermediate the opening and the peripheryof said drum, anti-friction means on the ends of each said leverengaging the periphery of the drum at spaced points on the drum, andmeans for driving at least one of said anti-friction means of each saidlever,
 51. The combination set forth in claim 50 wherein saidlast-mentioned means comprises a motor mounted on one of said leversbeyond the confines of said barrel and means extending between saidmotor and one of said anti-friction means.
 52. The combination set forthin claim 50 wherein said drive means includes endless means extendingbetween said driven rollers, and idler roller means engaging bothreaches of said endless means.
 53. The combination set forth in claim 52wherein said idler roller means comprises a lever pivoted intermediateits ends and idler pulleys engaging said reaches of said endless means.